Horse photo by flickr.com/photos/ucumari

Look at my hoof and tell me if I stepped in what I think I stepped in.

Horse photo by www.flickr.com/photos/frodrig

Mr. Universe called — he wants his pose back.

Tell your cowboy friend that if I hear yippie-kay-yay one more time he’s banned for life from my back.

Horse photo by ecatoncheires

Go ahead. Call Social Services. But I’m still not feeding you until later.

Mare and foal photo by treehouse1977

Hey! Claude Monet! Why don’t you put down that easel and feed me an apple!

Horse photo by .robbie

Awesome! No dudes at the Dude Ranch today!

Blue Roan horse photo by meike_g

Here are a couple of great videos that show some of the amazing things animals can be taught to do using positive reinforcement techniques. Notice how enthusiastic and happy these canine and equine stars are!

First video: Kaine is a gorgeous 3 year old, clicker trained German Shepherd Dog. (Editor: My all-time best canine buddy ever was my German Shepherd Dog, Morgan. Kaine brings back fond memories. Morgan was as eager to “work” as Kaine and served as my dog-training class assistant for years.)

Clicker training is a hands-off way of training with an animal that doesn’t involve punitive punishments or force. Clicker training is mentally stimulating and encourages the dog to think. Clicker training says “If you do this (a behavior), something good will happen to you (positive reinforcement). Clicker training is gentle, effective and fun for both the dog and the person. Visit www.clickertraining.com for more information.

The tricks shown in this video include:

• The two hoop trick
• Double hoop jump
• Taking off my socks
• Leg weaving
• Figure Eights
• Stand on back legs
• Walk backwards on two legs
• Grab pole
• Hold pole
• In the tub
• Dunk a basket ball
• Lift hind leg
• Play dead
• Painting
• Take a bow

Second video: Big horses and Miniature horses perform tricks and liberty skills learned with clicker training. In this video, you’ll see the following:

• push a ball
• retrieve a bucket
• side pass
• heel off line
• come
• back up
• get in the van
• talk (like Mr. Ed)
• sit
• pivot on a pedestal
• lie down
• wave

Note: Email subscribers, you’ll need to click through to the blog to watch these videos.

I need to lay off the pond water. I’m starting to mother some stunted kids.

Morgan-Fresian Mare and a Miniature Horse Mare photo by pmarkham

Childhood photo of Thelma and Louise riding off after robbing a lemonade stand.

Horse photo by mikebaird